“No. It’s not the work, it’s… it’s the position. Ever since I took that promotion, I’ve had to spend all my time dealing with human resources rather than what’s important.”

He smiled. “ ‘Human resources’?”

“I admit it. I’ve been corrupted. I’m a corporate shill.”

“Like I said, you could find another job.”

She shook her head.

“You’re under a lot of stress. That’s your main problem. I have this book—”

“Josh.”

“I’m serious. It’s about spiritual awareness and energy management. There’s a lack of spirituality in your life. That’s at the root of your problems. It’s what’s at the root of most of the world’s problems.”

“I really don’t want to hear it right now.”

“Laurie—”

“Look, I’m glad you have a hobby, and it’s really interesting and everything, but I just don’t believe that I can walk into your store and buy a five-dollar vanity press book and find out answers to questions that the greatest minds in the history of the world couldn’t solve.”

“You don’t have to be hostile.”

“Yes, Josh, I do. I do because every time I come in here, you’re trying to shove some new religion down my throat. I just want you to be my brother and give me a shoulder to cry on and not try to convert me all the time.”

“You’re just too closed-minded.”

“If Albert Einstein didn’t know the meaning of life, then neither do you.”

He turned away, and she reached out and grabbed his arm, sighing. “I’m sorry. It’s been a boring day and a long week, and I didn’t mean to take it out on you.”

He turned, smiled wryly. “What are brothers for?”

She hugged him. “I just need to go home, take a hot bath, relax with Matt, and watch a crummy movie.” She picked up her purse from the counter. “I’ll call you later, okay?”

He nodded.

“And next time we’ll discuss your wacky religions.”

He laughed. “Deal.”

She waved good-bye and walked outside onto the crowded sidewalk. She’d taken BART to work this morning but decided to walk home. It wasn’t that far, and she needed the exercise. She also wanted some time to think.

At the corner, at the stoplight, a convertible pulled next to her, its driver idly flipping through stations on a radio loud enough to be heard halfway down the block: rap, dance, metal, alternative. The light changed, the convertible took off, and as she walked across the street she heard the fading drone of a currently hot rock band.